your Itinerary

ITINERARY 2019

Kia Ora and welcome to your New Zealand experience.

We are please to present to you with a look book showcasing the very best accommodation, activities and transportation on offer throughout New Zealand. We have included the very best experiences across the country. This was curated and put together by our Eighth Wonder Travel experts.

We would love to host you throughout this fantastic journey.

Nga mihi nui, with best wishes.

The Eighth Wonder Travel Team.

OVERVIEW

Dates: tbcNights: 11Days: 12Guests: 8Guides: 2

DESTINATION: AUCKLAND

Auckland is New Zealand’s biggest city and is frequently rated as one of the world’s top cities for quality of life and liveability. Squeezed between two glistening harbors, Auckland’s narrow isthmus is home to one third of the country’s population – and for good reason. Known worldwide as the City of Sails, its center is a vibrant melting pot of style and culture, and its buzzing waterfront precincts are home to world-class dining and shopping experiences.

ACCOMMODATION: sofitel hotel

ONE NIGHT

With views across Viaduct Harbour, this luxury waterfront hotel is located right in the heart of Auckland City, just 800m from the Sky Tower. Rooms are furnished in a simple, contemporary manner, and feature free WiFi, flat-screen TVs and iPod docks, plus Bose sound systems. Upgraded suites add living rooms. Amenities include an on-site spa with an indoor pool, a whirlpool tub and an exercise room. There's also a boutique restaurant offering a high-end menu, and a lounge bar.

DAY ONE

AM Arrive into Auckland International Airport where the VIP arrivals team will guide you through customs and link you with your ground transportation provider. Depart in your ground transportation to your accommodation in Auckland City. Check into your accommodation at the Sofitel Hotel.Take a short stroll down to the waterfront where you will receive a traditional Maori welcome on Auckland’s waterfront. PM Board your passenger ferry to Waiheke Island. Our resident guide and wine connoisseur, Bill Hird will guide you throughout this beautiful island paradise. Enjoy lunch at a local winery of Bill’s choice and take in the incredible vistas that surround the island. The afternoon will consist of a selection of wineries, art galleries and scenic spots. Return back to Auckland city on the ferry and freshen up at your accommodation before dinner. Your first evenings dinner will be hosted at the Sugar Club at Auckland’s Sky City.

DAY TWO

AM Enjoy a morning’s walk throughout Auckland’s waterfront, Britomart Precinct, and local suburb of Ponsonby.Checkout of your accommodation and depart north in your private ground transfer to the township of Matakana. Lunch will be served at Sculptureum. Sculptureum is a wonderful space full of art, food and wine. PM Depart north in your private ground transfer north to the Bay of Islands and your accommodation. Check into Eagles Nest in Russell. Upon arrival you will be greeted by the team and transferred to your rooms. Dinner will be served at Rahimoana Lodge at Eagles Nest by the resident chef.

DESTINATION:BAY OF ISLANDS

Just a 45-minute flight north of Auckland is the stunning Bay of Islands, one of NZ’s top tourist drawcards. With its unspoiled coastline, beautiful sandy beaches, turquoise waters and 144 untouched islands, this region enjoys a subtropical climate, and so you can expect warm weather year round. The Bay of Islands Maritime Park is one of New Zealand’s best loved destinations, offering world-class diving and snorkeling, with an array of wildlife including, dolphins, whales, penguins and gannets. It also has great sailing, kayaking and big-game fishing. Not only is the region blessed with stunning natural beauty, it has enormous historical significance, as the site of New Zealand’s first permanent British settlement and the birthplace of European colonization in the country.

ACCOMMODATION: eagles nest

FOUR NIGHTS

Eagle’s Nest is a world-class, architecturally designed retreat that commands a majestic position overlooking the spectacular Bay of Islands – hence its name. With five guest villas, each with a personal chef, this lodge is a must for the luxury traveller. To top it off, panoramic views of the Bay of Islands are out of this world.

DAY THREE

﻿AM/PM Depart down the hill to the idyllic township of Russell on the waterfront before boarding your sailing vessel. Enjoy the day onboard Coolchange catamaran. The Bay of Islands consists of 144 islands and has an abundance of marine life to witness. Lunch will be served onboard and includes the freshest seafood caught straight out of the bay. You will also be given a unique insight into the history of this area, as it is known as ‘the birthplace of the nation’. Arrive back into Russell and depart back to your accommodation. Dinner will be hosted by the team at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel, which is known for holding New Zealand’s first ever liquor licence.

DAY FOUR

AM/PM Enjoy the day exploring the area with your local Maori guide, Kena Alexander. Learn the history and culture of the Maori people and their history. The tour will include the following visits: - Tour of the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. This is the birthplace of our nation where the Maori chiefs signed a Treaty in 1840 with the English crown.- Participate in a living welcome onto a Maori communal complex. while understanding the significance of the protocol. You meet Maori in a living environment from the Ngapuhi tribe who descend from the first Maori who discovered this land. This is not costume portrayal but authentic living today culture.- Kerikeri Stone Store Basin. This experience highlights events around the meeting of the first Christians and Maori, (the musket wars of the 1820’s). - Ruapekapeka Pa. Maori battle site which is the largest and most complex pa site in New Zealand. Your last dinner in the Bay of Islands will be served at Rahimoana Lodge at Eagles Nest by the resident chef.

DAY FIVE

AM Depart by private ground transfer to the Waipoua Forest on Northland’s West Coast. *Total travel time = 1 hour 20 minutes. The Waipoua Forest is home to the world’s largest Kauri Forest, and is an area New Zealand considers very important. Unfortunately due to modern challenges with diseases, pests and human impact the Kauri forest needs protecting. We have partnered with the Waipoua Forest Trust, an organisation which sole aim is to protect the forest and restore it back to it’s thriving days. Your journey starts with the team from Whispering Trails where you will be guided throughout this forest on a walking tour. This is a thought provoking and humbling experience that will leave you feeling connected to the essence of these ancient Kauri giants. Listen to the whispers of our ancestors and let them show you through their eyes to better understand what it means to be Tangata Whenua (people of the land). To maintain balance, we are conscious of our roles and responsibilities that are intrinsically linked to the wellbeing of our culture and environment. PM After your walk you will meet up with a Waipoua Forest Trust representative to plant your very own Kauri Tree. This is your chance to give back to this incredible land. This is a one-off exclusive experience. Depart back to your accommodation in the Bay of Islands. Enjoy dinner at the Duke of Marlborough Hotel in Russell.

DAY six

AM Checkout of your accommodation. Depart to Bay of Islands Airport by private ground transfer for your flight to Wellington. Board your commercial Air New Zealand flight to Wellington via a quick layover in Auckland. PM Arrive into Wellington and depart in your private ground transfer to your accommodation. Check into the QT Hotel in Wellington. Enjoy the afternoon at your own leisure. We recommend a walk from your accommodation to Oriental Bay. Dinner will be hosted at Whitebait restaurant.

DESTINATION: WELLINGTON

A small city with a large reputation, Wellington is New Zealand’s capital, both constitutionally and culturally. Its compact CBD vibrates with museums, theatres, galleries and boutiques, and it has thriving coffee and craft-beer scenes. Hemmed in by steep forested hills, punctuated by swathes of quaint Victorian houses, the city clings to the shore of its stunning harbor. It has a beautiful botanic garden and is home the New Zealand’s only funicular railway.

ACCOMMODATION: QT HOTEL

THREE NIGHTS

Opposite the Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa, is the quirky art-filled hotel Museum Hotel, an establishment popular with domestic and international guests, alike. Room décors range from classic to contemporary. Some have balconies or patios, and suites offer kitchens. All rooms feature 42-inch flat-screen TVs, free WiFi and iPod docks, as well as Nespresso coffeemakers. The hotel also offers a fine-dining restaurant with a cocktail bar. Other amenities include an indoor lap pool, an exercise room and a sauna.

DAY SEVEN

AM One of our local guides will take you on a walking city tour. Forget the tourist spots, this will be a true experience of local and hidden gems scattered throughout Wellington’s cultural hub. Witness handcrafted chocolate making, taste local peanut butter from a side window in a back alley and shop your way through boutique stores.

PM Lunch will be served at Maranui Cafe in Lyall Bay. After lunch depart to Te Papa (National Museum of New Zealand) for a private tour. Dinner will be hosted at Boomrock on Wellington’s West Coast. Return transfers provided to and from your accommodation.

DAY EIGHT

AM We implore you to take your time and enjoy the morning. Once you are refreshed and have enjoyed your mornings breakfast depart to the region of Martinborough in your private ground transfer. Martinborough is most notably known for its food and wine, so bring your appetite. This picturesque area, is made up of rolling hills, sloping vineyards and rugged coastline. PM Lunch will be hosted at Poppies on the front courtyard. After lunch your guide will transfer you through several boutiques stores, eateries and a walk through the charming streets of Greytown. Depart back to Wellington and your accommodation.Your last dinner in Wellington will be hosted at Loretta.

DAY NINE

﻿AM Checkout of your accommodation. Depart to Wellington Airport by private ground transfer for your flight to Queenstown. Board your commercial Air New Zealand flight to Queenstown with Air New Zealand. PM Arrive into Queenstown and depart in your private ground transfer to your accommodation. Check into Eichardt’s Private Hotel. After lunch enjoy a tour of Queenstown with our resident guide. This will include the a handpicked selection of art galleries, boutique stores, iconic views and a detailed history of the area. Dinner will be hosted at The Grille restaurant.

DESTINATION: QUEENSTOWN

About two-thirds of the way down the South Island, in the middle of the Southern Alps, sits Lake Wakatipu, and on its shores, Queenstown. If ever a town deserves its reputation as the world’s adrenalin capital, surely this place does. You can bungee jump off bridges, or even out of a helicopter, take a jet boat ride through white-water canyons, heli-skiing in virgin powder snow, go extreme mountain biking, zip-line through valleys, and paraglide off mountains – you name, you can do it in Queenstown. There is, however, a more gentile side to Queenstown – one that includes luxurious, world-class lodges, superb wineries, great restaurants and scenery to die for… and five international-standard golf courses. This picturesque lakeside town has it in spades, whatever the season, whatever the activity. It absolutely must be part of any itinerary when visiting New Zealand.

ACCOMMODATION: EICHARDT’S PRIVATE HOTEL

FOUR NIGHTS

In the late 1800’s Eichardt’s Private Hotel was born as a result of a rich vein of gold, that drew many prospectors and opportunists from around the globe to the shores of Lake Wakatipu. Over 120 years on, and this iconic hotel still commands a majestic position, right on the shores of the lake, in the center of Queenstown. Eichardt’s is split into three separate types of rooms: suites, apartments, and the residence. All apartments have stunning views over the lake and mountain ranges.

DAY TEN

AM Prepare for an experience that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Depart by ground transfer to the heli base for your the Ultimate Milford Sound Experience. The Milford Ultimate includes four landings, each at diverse and pristine locations where you can sip the pure waters of an alpine lake; take in the majestic Milford Sound; stroll along uninhabited wild yet beautiful west coast beaches, see the blue ice on glaciers high in the Alps and the fiords coastal rain forests. At each landing site, the helicopter will shut down for you to enjoy the quiet sound of the mountains. Perhaps a curious Kea, New Zealand’s native parrot, will drop in to say hello. No two Ultimate trips are the same.

PM Touchdown at Amisfield Winery for lunch. The ‘trust the chef’ menu is in our opinion the way to go. Each course is designed to be paired with some of their most iconic drops so you can enjoy the full Amisfield experience. After lunch return back to your accommodation to rest up before dinner. After a long lunch we recommend enjoying dinner at your own leisure. We will be happy to make any restaurant recommendations and bookings if need be.

DAY ELEVEN

AM Enjoy the morning at your own leisure. Our local guides will be transporting you on a real New Zealand adventure. The back country of Queenstown on Ben Lomond Station is location for the day. It’s a 13,500 hectare merino sheep station beautifully kept with grazing lands, native beech forest, lakes, rivers, mining huts and beautiful scenic vistas. Jump onboard 6 seater 4WD Yamaha Vikings and meet resident farmer John Foster for some first hand New Zealand farm insight. As a working farm demonstrations differ throughout the year with shearing, tailing, drenching, dogs working and lambing all part of the experience. PM Enjoy a gourmet lunch at Moonlight Lodge to keep you fuelled up for the adventures to come. After lunch the guys will give you a series of great options to choose from. Several options are available after lunch, embark on nature walks following the water races in beautiful old Beech Forest or the Sky-line Ridge walk, Try some lake fishing, gold mining, target shooting, tackle some farming or relax and enjoy the surroundings and a glass of wine or beer. Depart back to your accommodation to freshen up before dinner. Dinner will be hosted at Rata restaurant.

DAY TWELVE

AM Your last full day in Queenstown will be a chance to get out of the town and into the outer regions. Start the journey by exploring Arrowtown. A former gold mining town and one of the most picturesque settlements in New Zealand. Breakfast will be served at the incredible Chop Shop Cafe. Afterwards take a stroll down the tree lined streets of restored cottages, art galleries, boutique stores and explore old gold mining sites. Depart to the township of Wanaka and enjoy the numerous views of the crystal clear waters on the Lake. Throughout the journey your guide will be detailing you on the unique history of the area. PM Depart Wanaka to Gibbston Valley, home of Central Otago’s wine country. Central Otago is one of the leading wine regions of the world, established in Gibbston by Sir Alan Brady in 1981. Pinot Noir became the variety of choice in this cool climate. The afternoon will include lunch and several wine tastings at selected wineries. We are able to require access behind the cellar door’s of most wineries for private tastings. Arrive back at your accommodation.Your last dinner in New Zealand will be hosted at Bostwana Butchery one of Queenstown’s finest establishments.

DAY THIRTEEN

AM Checkout of your accommodation. Depart to Queenstown Airport in your private transfer. Board your commercial Air New Zealand flight to Auckland. Upon arrival you will be greeted and transferred through to Auckland International Airport to check in for your return flight home.

TOTAL PRICENZD $22,500.00 per person based on double/twin-share occupancy